Magnolia Herbal Remedies

Magnolia buds are a commonly-used Chinese herb for opening the nasal passages, helping to relieve nasal obstruction, congestion, and headaches. The unopened flower buds of a number of species of magnolia trees, such as Magnolia liliflora and M. denudata, are used. Magnolia buds are useful because of their effectiveness in reducing mucus discharge from the nose and opening the sinuses. The buds do not contain stimulant alkaloids like ma huang (Ephedra sinensis) and thus do not interfere with sleep or make one nervous.